How to Rent a Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle! Introducing Nationwide Rental Companies for Accessible Vehicles

When wheelchair users enjoy traveling, they often face difficulties with transportation.

Besides trains and airplanes, there may be times when they wish to use welfare vehicles for transportation.

When actually traveling with a welfare vehicle, securing one locally is necessary.

So, how should one go about requesting a welfare vehicle?

This article introduces how to rent a welfare vehicle with a wheelchair and also highlights rental car companies that offer welfare vehicles nationwide.

1. Challenges in Arranging Rental Welfare Vehicles for Wheelchair Users at Travel Destinations

One of the challenges wheelchair users face when traveling is arranging rental welfare vehicles.

Welfare vehicles are often more expensive than regular vehicles, making purchasing them burdensome.

Moreover, not all rental car companies offer welfare vehicles, and the number available can be limited.

Understanding how to rent these vehicles and which rental companies offer them can make the process smoother and is recommended.

2. Steps for Arranging Rental Welfare Vehicles

STEP 1. Check What You Need for Rental

In the first step, check what you need to rent a welfare vehicle.

• Driver's license
• Identification document
• Cash or credit card
• ETC card
• Disability certificate
• Glasses

Among these, a driver's license and identification document are essential when renting a welfare vehicle.

Additionally, if the renter or a passenger has a disability, bringing a disability certificate is recommended.

This is because some rental companies offer discounts on basic fees.

STEP 2. Prepare Necessary Equipment for Assistance

When renting a welfare vehicle, you must prepare necessary items for caregiving (such as a wheelchair or cane).

If a caregiver is providing care, prepare necessary items such as sanitizing wipes and masks.

Some rental companies may provide these items, so it's a good idea to inquire in advance.

STEP 3. Find a Rental Car Company

Once you have checked what you need, find a rental car company to use.

When searching for a rental car company, the information on the rental company's website is valuable.

You can check the availability of welfare vehicles, rental equipment, and whether assistance services are offered, which can be helpful.

STEP 4. Make a Reservation

After selecting a rental car company, reserve the welfare vehicle you will use at your travel destination.

Reservation methods include via website, phone, or directly at the store.

However, welfare vehicles may not always be available, so it's recommended to check the reservation status before visiting.

Some companies only accept reservations for welfare vehicles by phone, so it's generally best to inquire by phone.

STEP 5. Rent on the Day

Once your reservation is complete, head to the rental car company on the day.

Some rental car companies offer shuttle services to the nearest station, so check if this service is available.

Also, if you contact them in advance, they may provide assistance, so be sure to confirm.

Upon arriving at the rental car shop, complete the procedures at the counter, check the vehicle for any damage with the staff, and then depart.

Return the vehicle by the designated time.

3. How to Choose a Rental Car for Welfare Vehicles

There are many types of welfare vehicles.
For example, some have rotating or elevating seats, while others have ramps or lifts attached to the back door.
For wheelchair users, vehicles with ramps or lifts that allow boarding while in a wheelchair are recommended, while those who can walk without a wheelchair may prefer vehicles with rotating or elevating seats.
If you plan to drive, check for driving assistance devices.
The size of the vehicle is also an important selection point depending on the number of passengers.
To save on rental costs, a compact car is recommended, while a minivan or wagon is ideal for more spacious travel.
Select a rental car with the appropriate features for the condition and needs of the person requiring assistance at your travel destination.
For more information on welfare vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs, refer to the following article.
Reference:

4. Precautions When Renting Welfare Vehicles

When renting a welfare vehicle, always confirm how to use the available features.

Using them without understanding can pose injury risks, so caution is necessary.

Also, in case of accidents or breakdowns, ensure safety and contact the police or emergency services, just like with regular rental cars.

Do not negotiate settlements or arrange repairs on the spot.

Additionally, check if wheelchairs or stretchers are available for rent, and ensure the equipment you need is available.

5. Eight Nationwide Rental Car Companies Offering Welfare Vehicles!

5-1. Toyota Rent a Car

Toyota Rent a Car has over 1,100 locations across Japan, conveniently located near major stations.

You can rent the latest Toyota vehicles and choose from a wide lineup of models.

They provide clean vehicles at all times, making them ideal for those who prioritize cleanliness.

They also offer a range of welfare vehicles, including:

• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
• Side lift-up seat vehicles
• Front passenger lift-up seat vehicles
• Front passenger rotating slide seat vehicles
• Side access vehicles

With wheelchair-accessible models, you can smoothly board and disembark while in a wheelchair.

Additionally, the availability of both lift and ramp types is appealing.

Presenting a disability certificate grants a 10% discount on the basic fee, adding value.

Reference: Welcab (Welfare Vehicles) | Toyota Motor Corporation

5-2. Nippon Rent-A-Car

Nippon Rent-A-Car is an attractive rental company with a variety of campaigns.

Notably, you can earn points from ANA miles, d points, or Rakuten points, adding to its appeal.

Moreover, they clean and sanitize vehicles after each use, providing peace of mind.

Nippon Rent-A-Car offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles and welfare vehicles with boarding assistance devices.

Reservations must be made by phone with the regional office.

Note that Nippon Rent-A-Car is not a designated provider, so long-term care insurance cannot be applied.

However, with a disability certificate, disability certificate app, or rehabilitation certificate, you can use the welfare discount rate, so be sure to prepare them.

Reference: Bus & Welfare Vehicles | Nippon Rent-A-Car Service, Inc.

5-3. ORIX Rent-A-Car

ORIX Rent-A-Car offers various campaigns, including discounts, options, specific car models, and luxury car experiences.

Utilizing these campaigns allows you to rent cars affordably.

ORIX Rent-A-Car provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles, lift-up seat vehicles, rotating slide seat vehicles, and side lift-up seat vehicles.

You can choose from compact cars, minivans, wagons, and more, all at reasonable prices.

To use welfare vehicles, you must apply directly by phone to the handling store.

Reference: Welfare Vehicle Models and Rates | ORIX Auto Corporation

5-4. Times Car Rental

Times Car Rental offers a service called "Pit Go," allowing easy check-in.

They also rent sports cars, making them suitable for those who want to enjoy a luxurious drive while traveling.

As for welfare vehicles, they offer the Tanto Sloper and N-BOX+.

Those with a disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate can enjoy tax-free basic rates, adding value.

Welfare vehicles cannot be reserved online, so call the available store directly to make a reservation.

Reference: Welfare Vehicle Basic Rates and Models | Times Mobility Co., Ltd.

5-5. Sky Rent-A-Car

Sky Rent-A-Car offers services like shuttle and one-way rentals, making it ideal for those who want more flexibility in their travel plans.

Additionally, pet accompaniment is possible with prior notice.

Sky Rent-A-Car offers a Welfare Vehicle Rental Peace of Mind Plan, ideal for those looking to rent welfare vehicles affordably.

The Awaji Island Central and North stores offer the N-BOX+ for rent, equipped with an electric winch and ramp, allowing easy boarding and disembarking even in a compact car.

Reference: "Welfare Vehicles" Now Available! | Sky Mobility Service Co., Ltd.

5-6. Carstar Rent-A-Car

Carstar Rent-A-Car is a rental company known for its unique services, such as "Easy Ride Smart," allowing departures 24/7.

The Carstar Rent-A-Car membership system offers increasing benefits the more you use it.

For welfare vehicles, the following classes are available:

• Compact cars
• Sedans
• Station wagons
• Minivans
• Wagons

A unique feature of Carstar Rent-A-Car is the ability to rent for as little as one hour, making it ideal for short trips.

Reference: Introduction and Price List of Camping Cars and Welfare Vehicles | Enex Life Service Corporation

5-7. If Rent-A-Car

If Rent-A-Car specializes in caregiving and welfare vehicles, focusing on welfare vehicle rentals.

They have the largest number of welfare vehicles nationwide, offering a wide variety.

They offer everything from compact cars to one-box vans, minivans, and even bathing vehicles.

The Hiace is available at a special price starting from 11,000 yen (tax included), adding to its appeal.

They operate nationwide and provide thorough instruction on driving and operation.

Additionally, they can equip vehicles with driving assistance devices.

Reference: If Rent-A-Car | If Auto Service Co., Ltd.

5-8. Budget Rent-A-Car

Budget Rent-A-Car is a rental company that originated in the United States.

It has expanded to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and over 3,000 locations in 120 countries, including Japan.

Budget Rent-A-Car primarily offers welfare vehicles with ramps.

The CK class provides spacious interiors for a comfortable drive.

Additionally, Budget Rent-A-Car allows online reservations with a 10% discount, adding to its appeal.

Reference: Models and Rates / Welfare Vehicles | Idex Auto Japan Co., Ltd.

5-9. Some Regional Options for Renting Welfare Vehicles

Besides the rental companies introduced so far, some companies offer services limited to specific regions.

For example, Kaigo Rent-A-Car Sakura, with locations in Aichi, Fukuoka, and Oita, offers compact welfare vehicles for 4,800 yen (tax included) for 24 hours.

Reference: Models and Rates | Guts Japan Co., Ltd.

The Japan Comprehensive Welfare Vehicle Association also promotes welfare vehicle businesses under the slogan "For the Happiness of All Customers."

They also introduce welfare vehicle rental companies, so be sure to check them out.

Reference: Welfare Vehicle Rentals | Japan Comprehensive Welfare Vehicle Association

6. Conclusion

Many rental car companies offer welfare vehicles for rent.

Since fee structures and available services vary, it's recommended to choose a